10/5/23 

Pilot/Controller Glossary 

ESTIMATED POSITION ERROR (EPE)

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(See Required Navigation Performance) 

ESTIMATED TIME OF ARRIVAL

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 The time the flight is estimated to arrive at the gate (scheduled operators) 

or the actual runway on times for nonscheduled operators. 
ESTIMATED TIME EN ROUTE

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 The estimated flying time from departure point to destination (lift-off to 

touchdown). 
ETA

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(See ESTIMATED TIME OF ARRIVAL.) 

ETE

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(See ESTIMATED TIME EN ROUTE.) 

EXECUTE MISSED APPROACH

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Instructions issued to a pilot making an instrument approach which means 

continue inbound to the missed approach point and execute the missed approach procedure as described on the 

Instrument Approach Procedure Chart or as previously assigned by ATC. The pilot may climb immediately to 

the altitude specified in the missed approach procedure upon making a missed approach. No turns should be 

initiated prior to reaching the missed approach point. When conducting an ASR or PAR approach, execute the 

assigned missed approach procedure immediately upon receiving instructions to “execute missed approach.” 

(Refer to AIM.) 

EXPECT (ALTITUDE) AT (TIME) or (FIX)

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Used under certain conditions to provide a pilot with an altitude 

to be used in the event of two-way communications failure. It also provides altitude information to assist the pilot 

in planning. 

(Refer to AIM.) 

EXPECT DEPARTURE CLEARANCE TIME (EDCT)

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 The runway release time assigned to an aircraft in a 

traffic management program and shown on the flight progress strip as an EDCT. 

(See GROUND DELAY PROGRAM.) 

EXPECT FURTHER CLEARANCE (TIME)

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The time a pilot can expect to receive clearance beyond a 

clearance limit. 

EXPECT FURTHER CLEARANCE VIA (AIRWAYS, ROUTES OR FIXES)

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Used to inform a pilot of the 

routing he/she can expect if any part of the route beyond a short range clearance limit differs from that filed. 

EXPEDITE

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Used by ATC when prompt compliance is required to avoid the development of an imminent 

situation. Expedite climb/descent normally indicates to a pilot that the approximate best rate of climb/descent 

should be used without requiring an exceptional change in aircraft handling characteristics. 

PCG E

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